Laura Jo Smith

IN MEMORY OF: Laura Jo Smith Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Laura Jo Smith, of Jackson, met her Lord and Savior on June 30, 2024. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, and her dog, Ruby at her home in Jackson. Laura Jo was born in Jackson to George Henry and Nellie Marie (Schreiner) Smith, the third of nine children. She grew up in Jackson and was a graduate of Jackson High School. After high school, she worked at the Jackson Hosiery Mill for over 10 years. Laura Jo graduated from Southeast Missouri State College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and started her ministry at New McKendree United Methodist Church. She earned an Associate in Christian Education degree in 1975. In 1977, Laura Jo was consecrated as a Diaconal Minister in the United Methodist Church and elected by the Missouri East Conference. In 1996, she stepped up unto the role of a Deacon in full connection. Laura Jo served United Methodist Churches in Jackson, Charleston, and South St. Louis in Missouri and Belleville, Illinois. Her emphasis was on education and youth ministry. She moved back to Jackson when she retired. She returned to New McKendree UMC as a member and volunteered by helping wherever she could. Laura Jo was a member of the Mary-Martha Women’s Circle. She was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter DJ in Jackson. Family left behind to remember Laura Jo are a sister, Kim Martin of Jackson; brother, Mark (Linda) Smith of St. Louis; and her beloved dog, Ruby. She leaves behind 40 nieces and nephews. Laura Jo did not have children of her own, but she helped raise, love, and nurture her siblings. She was a second mother to several of her nieces and nephews. Aurora, Maxwell, Ethan, Lauren, Casey, LaDonna, Laney, and Bennett were her world, and she was theirs. Laura Jo had a special relationship with her beloved great nephew, Ethan Pratt. Upon her retirement, she cared for him as her own until he went to school. At every church she served, she left her love with the children and youth. Her life’s calling was to minister to, care for, and teach the youth in whatever capacity she could. She loved living a lifetime of service for others. She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers: Robert Neil, Garry Dean, Charles Lynn, George William, Dale Lee, and one sister, Jean Ann Shepherd. The family would like to thank Betty Henry for her dear friendship and providing communion once a month. Also, thanks to the staff and nurses from Southeast Hospice for providing excellent care and compassion for Laura Jo. I’D Write for You a Rainbow If I could, I’d write for you a rainbow. And splash it with all the colors of God. And hang it in the window of your being. So that each new God’s morning Your eyes would open first to hope and promise. If I could, I’d wipe away your tears And hold you close forever in shalom. But God never promised I could write a rainbow. Never promised I could suffer for you. Only promised I could love you, That I do. Author: Ann Weems “Reaching for Rainbows” She wished to have no formal services. A celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. The family requests memorials be given to the Mary-Martha Circle at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson or Mercy Hospice in Cape Girardeau. The cremation of Laura Jo was personally handled by the staff at Crain Funeral Home. Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is assisting the family with arrangements.